General Dynamics gets FCS work

By John Moore

Apr 25, 2005

General Dynamics C4 Systems recently expanded its role on the Army Future Combat Systems (FCS) with an additional $75 million worth of command and control integration work.

Boeing and Science Applications International Corp. made the award as prime contractors for FCS. The expanded scope will include delivery of what General Dynamics termed the “largest battle command software package for FCS.”

Under FCS, General Dynamics is the lead integrator for the Planning and Preparation Services (PPS) program, which is currently valued at more than $156 million. The PPS supports warfighters’ ability to collaborate on battle plans. General Dynamics also plays the lead integrator role on the Sensor Data Management program, worth $25 million. Under that program, General Dynamics will build a software backbone to deliver sensor data to networked FCS air and ground vehicles.

General Dynamics was selected in July 2003 to negotiate contracts to manage the PPS and Sensor Data Management programs.

Overall, FCS will consist of 18 manned and unmanned air and ground systems connected via a fast, secure communications network.

The Army announced plans in July 2004 to accelerate the maturation and delivery of selected FCS technologies, according to General Dynamics.